New Delhi – In a resolute address at a recent Town Hall event in Bhopal, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, emphasized the paramount necessity of adopting a steadfast stance on global terrorism. Jaishankar underscored that India’s commitment to this cause is unwavering, citing India’s historical experience as a significant victim of terrorist activities.
The distinguished minister remarked, “In contemporary times, a responsible government, buttressed by unwavering governance, vigorously defends the interests of its citizenry. Just as sound governance is indispensable on the home front, prudent foreign policy decisions are equally vital. India’s principled stance on the issue of terrorism emanates from our own painful history as a prominent victim of such violence.”
He further asserted, “Our credibility is contingent upon maintaining a consistent position on this grave concern. It is imperative that we remain unwavering in our resolve, irrespective of the geographical location where acts of terror unfold.”*
The recent display of India’s firm stance on terrorism was evident in the United Nations, where India chose to abstain from a resolution sponsored by Jordan that did not explicitly condemn the Hamas-led terrorist attacks. Instead, India threw its support behind a Canadian resolution that unequivocally condemned these acts.
The Jordanian-led resolution managed to secure approval from the General Assembly, with an overwhelming 120 votes in favor, while 14 nations opposed it, and 45 chose to abstain, including India. This decision transpired during a special emergency session of the UN General Assembly addressing the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis. The Assembly also called for the uninterrupted and substantial delivery of essential humanitarian aid to the affected civilian population.
Jaishankar, while addressing the audience in Bhopal, highlighted India’s evolving global image, noting, “A robust government and effective governance are two facets of the same coin. Over the past few decades, India’s global reputation has undergone a substantial transformation. We have taken strides in areas such as ‘Make in India,’ ‘Innovate in India,’ and vaccine production. We introduced the COWIN platform, developed indigenous 5G technology, and executed a commendable response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chandrayaan mission and other endeavors have made a lasting imprint on the world stage.”
In his closing remarks, Jaishankar asserted, “The relentless pursuit of excellence in various domains has firmly established India as a global player to reckon with.”
With these statements, India’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism on the global stage and its evolving presence in the international arena are undeniably evident.
